Introduction
Edward Norris Ratcliff (born March 5, 1983) is an American professional mixed martial artist who most recently competed in the Lightweight division of the WEC.
Background
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Ratcliff is African-American but is also of Iroquois Native American descent. Ratcliff was raised alongside his sister by his single mother, Laceine. It was Ratfcliff's mother who was his original martial arts instructor. In elementary school, Ratcliff began Tae Kwon Do and would eventually earn black belts in both disciplines. At the age of 17, Ratcliff tried out to be a part of Ken Shamrock's gym The Lion's Den in 2001 and made the team.
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Ratcliff made his professional MMA debut in 2005 and compiled an undefeated professional record of 4-0 before being signed by the WEC.
World Extreme Cagefighting
Ratcliff debuted at WEC 27, defeating Johnny Sampaio via TKO (knees) in the second round.
Next, he faced Ultimate Fighter alumni Alex Karalexis and was again victorious via technical knockout. However, Ratcliff suffered his first WEC and professional loss at WEC 33 at the hands of Marcus Hicks via guillotine choke.
Ratcliff then bounced back against Phil Cardella, winning via unanimous decision.
He lost his last fight against Donald Cerrone via submission at WEC 45 on December 19, 2009.
Ratcliff was expected to face Chris Horodecki on June 20, 2010 at WEC 49, but just days before the event, Ratcliff pulled out of the event for undiclosed reasons. Horodecki instead faced WEC newcomer Danny Downes.
The fight between Horodecki and Ratcliff eventually took place on September 30, 2010 at WEC 51. He lost the fight via split decision.
Ratcliff was released by UFC/Zuffa in January 2011.
Championships and accomplishments
- World Extreme Cagefighting
- Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Donald Cerrone
Mixed martial arts record
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 11 matches | 7 wins | 4 losses |
| By knockout | 5 | 1 |
| By submission | 1 | 2 |
| By decision | 1 | 1 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 7–3 | Chris Horodecki | Decision (split) | WEC 51 | September 30, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | Broomfield, Colorado, United States | |
| Loss | 7–2 | Donald Cerrone | Submission (rear naked choke) | WEC 45 | December 19, 2009 | 3 | 3:47 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 7–1 | Phil Cardella | Decision (unanimous) | WEC 42 | August 9, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Loss | 6–1 | Marcus Hicks | Submission (guillotine choke) | WEC 33: Marshall vs. Stann | March 26, 2008 | 1 | 1:42 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 6–0 | Alex Karalexis | TKO (punches) | WEC 31 | December 12, 2007 | 2 | 1:26 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 5–0 | Johnny Sampaio | TKO (knees) | WEC 27 | May 12, 2007 | 2 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 4–0 | Chris Reed | TKO (corner stoppage) | TC 18: Nightmare | November 4, 2006 | 2 | 5:00 | San Diego, California, United States | |
| Win | 3–0 | Jamie Schmidt | TKO (strikes) | TC 14: Throwdown | May 13, 2006 | 2 | 1:14 | Del Mar, California, United States | |
| Win | 2–0 | Brett Cooper | KO (spinning heel kick) | TC 12: Total Combat 12 | December 17, 2005 | 2 | N/A | Tijuana, Mexico | |
| Win | 1–0 | Josh Olivas | Submission (armbar) | TC 9: Total Combat 9 | July 30, 2005 | 1 | N/A | Tijuana, Mexico |